Martin Oh’s debut EP Better Place is a sunshine-injected, electrifying entry into the indie pop-sphere and beyond. Within the five tracks on the EP, there’s playful nods to early indie rock and dance-punk bands like Phoenix and Neon Trees, making this project automatically nostalgic and familiar. The EP was co-produced with SOHN (Banks, Lana Del Rey, London Grammar), who really elevated some of the Martin Oh’s ideas to full fruition. With spring around the corner, this sunny EP is welcomed with open arms.
“Can’t Leave You Behind” kicks off the album with the optimistic outlook of the freedom that comes with breaking away from a relationship, even if you’re not the one initiating the breakup. It’s about the push and pull, regrets that are felt, all over a groovy undertone that keeps you moving throughout the entire song. “Better Place” is a song about being in love, while the track’s tone manages to continue with the upbeat theme, all while capturing the highs and lows of the emotions. The next two tracks share a similar sentiment, a realization that the love has become a vicious cycle. When “Same Song” starts, you can’t help but feel the attitude emulating through the repeated hooks throughout the song. The final track “Neverland” dials back the sound a bit, there’s a bit of a conclusive outlook coming through in the production, while the lyrics extend out a hopeful hand, an open invitation to try again.
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